Wales captain Matthew Rees took time out of his busy Six Nations schedule to support the idea which is led by The Eden Project. The aim is to get as many of the 61 million people in the UK as possible to get together with their neighbours and local community on one day – this year Sunday June 5, the day after Wales take on the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium.
Since starting in 2009, thousands of Big Lunches, from big street parties with hog roasts and entertainers, to smaller picnics in parks and intimate garden BBQs, have taken place in all kinds of communities. The best part of a million people take part each year.
The WRU is now encouraging rugby clubs in Wales to host their own Big Lunch to help bring their local communities closer together.
Jason Lewis, WRU National Development Manager, said: “Rugby clubs are at the heart of any community. They are a place where people gather, whether it’s to support their local team, take their children to training on a Saturday or Sunday morning or simply to socialise. For that reason, they make ideal locations for a Big Lunch, whether it’s a party in the car park, a marquee on the pitch or a small buffet in the clubhouse, it’s just about getting the community together.
“It can also help clubs to introduce new people to our grassroots clubs. They may be interested in active participation for themselves or their children, or simply want to get involved in something which is at the heart of their local community. We hope rugby clubs in Wales will embrace this concept and host Big Lunches, helping to create a stronger local community.”
Tim Smit, chief executive and founder of The Big Lunch and The Eden Project, said: “From small intimate affairs, to full blown street parties with bouncy castles and hog roasts, lunches have been held right across the country and our research shows that they really work. People who’ve taken part feel closer to their neighbours and many find it’s just the spark that their community needs to bring people together.
“We are delighted that the WRU is putting its weight behind The Big Lunch 2011. Sport has such an important role to play in our communities, especially in Wales, and we hope their support will see more people than ever before holding events on 5 June.”
The Big Lunch, led by The Eden Project, is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and supported by MasterCard and EDF Energy.
Fancy holding an event in your area? To receive your free Big Lunch Starter Pack, simply register your planned Big Lunch event online at www.thebiglunch.com or alternatively call 0845 850 8181 to speak to one of the team. The pack contains a step-by-step guide to help you get your event off the ground, plus invitations, posters, ‘crowd cooking’ recipe ideas, stickers and much more.
